Synthesis and biohydrogenation of fatty acids by ruminal microorganisms in vitro.

Ruminal degradation, synthesis, and biohydrogenation of fatty acids were examined in vitro. Diets were incubated with ruminal contents, and changes of fatty acids were measured. Two fat supplements, a calcium soap and an animal-vegetable blend, were included in diets at various levels. Addition to diets of acetate and isoacids (collective term for certain short-chain acids) also were tested for effects on fatty acid synthesis. Overall, 6.6 mg of fatty acids/g of fat-free diet were synthesized during 24-h incubation regardless of supplementations. Fatty acids synthesized in greatest amounts were odd-numbered or branched chains, whereas chains of 16 and 18 carbons changed little, and chains shorter than 14 carbons decreased. Degradation of [1-14C]palmitic acid was negligible, as determined by recovery of the label in CO2 (.03%) and acetate (1.09%) after 4-h incubation with rumen contents. Biohydrogenation of fatty acids averaged 47% in diets containing calcium soap and 71% with animal-vegetable blend. Synthesis and biohydrogenation were similar to those measured previously in vivo, showing that in vitro measurements reliably predicted metabolism of fatty acids in vivo.